Government Cheese: A Controversial Chapter in US History

In the 1980s, the US government found itself with a massive surplus of cheese due to volatile milk production and federal support for the dairy industry. With over 500 million pounds of processed American cheese stored in warehouses across 35 states, the government struggled to find a use for it....

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Ekiben: Savoring Japan’s Train-Travel Delicacies

A typical $10 (1000 Yen) Bento, bought from a bento store in Tokyo Terminal.
A typical $10 (1000 Yen) Bento, bought from a bento store in Tokyo Terminal.

Ekiben, the quintessential Japanese train travel companion, are specially crafted bento box meals that showcase the unique flavors of each region. As passengers journey through Japan, they can indulge in these locally inspired delicacies that differ from station to station. In the 1980s, the popularity of ekiben soared, with an...

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Guarding Authenticity: The ‘Champagne of Beers’ Controversy

In 2023, Belgian authorities confiscated and destroyed 2,352 cans of an American beer labeled as “The Champagne of Beers.” The beer violated European regulations protecting the designation of origin for Champagne, as it was not produced in the Champagne region of France or according to the regulated process. European laws...

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